The United Nations has just released its latest report on worldwide gender inequality, the Gender Social Norms Index*, and its main conclusions are:

• Almost 90% of men and women worldwide have at least one bias against women in either political, educational, economic or physical rights - for example believing that men are better political leaders than women or that women should not have reproductive rights

• The significant global reductions in gender inequality from 1995-2010 have halted in the last ten years as measured by factors such as maternal mortality rate, share of seats in parliament and relative participation in the labour force

• Challenging deeply rooted biases can be achieved by education, by raising awareness or by changing incentives - for example, laws protecting the rights of women

Cheshire East is not immune to gender inequality as shown by the latest report of the gender pay gap which, at 12.3%, has barely changed in the last few years.

However, Congleton Town Council's recently published 2020-23 Business Plan has specifically included commitments to reduce inequality, and the council has also approved a new Equality and Inclusion policy.

Councillor Kay Wesley of the Women's Equality Party commented: "The UN report shows us that these attitudes are deep-rooted and driving equality is a long game requiring action on a number of fronts, commitment and persistence.

"I am delighted that my Council colleagues have prioritised tackling all types of inequality, including gender-based, and I'm continuing to work with them and other stakeholders on implementing this part of our Business Plan."

Some recent examples of work being done include:

• a workshop including childcare experts, nursery providers and parents to identify problems and potential solutions to the difficulties many families face in accessing affordable childcare (childcare challenges being a major cause of inequality in the workplace and the gender pay gap)

• a campaign to highlight the excellent work done by the Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Hub as run by Cheshire Without Abuse, especially in view of the increased risk of domestic abuse during lockdown.

• Working towards White Ribbon Accreditation, which means the Town Council actively challenges those attitudes that lead to male violence against women.

Congleton Town Council has a number of White Ribbon Ambassadors who are encouraging people in Congleton to make the White Ribbon Promise.

• The full UN report can be found here.